DeLand woman dragged, beaten in sex attack

A Volusia County woman was dragged into a wooded area off State Road 11, punched and sexually assaulted, and deputies said they've taken a suspect into custody.

Deputies said the 31-year-old victim told them she was walking north of DeLand on Sunday night when she was attacked.

Yovani Cruz-Torrez, 23, faces sexual battery charges in the case. The victim positively identified him in a photo lineup.

"I thought I was going to die," the victim said. "He should be put away and never let out."

She said a man dragged her into the woods, punched her in the face several times and sexually assaulted her, authorities said.

Investigators said the victim managed to escape her attacker and run to the nearest street and flag down a passing motorist, who drove the victim to her house. The victim was taken to Florida Hospital DeLand for treatment.

The victim told WESH 2 that she did not recognize the attacker.

"I just want people to know this is real. There are sick people out there," she said.

Deputies said they located a man in the area who fit the description that the victim gave of her attacker.

Cruz-Torrez, who deputies said was sweaty, his knees covered in dirt and the zipper of his blue jeans down, was questioned.

A DeLand K-9 officer who assisted in the investigation located several pieces of evidence believed to be connected to the attack.

No charges have been filed in the sexual assault and the investigation is continuing.

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